I’ve having so much fun going through
my first year here. My delight grows in this congregation
and town as I learn more and more about you. Right at
the moment, my big education has been in discovering the
size and scope of the Angel Gifts project. Julie Archer
and I have enjoyed great conversations about the whole
project and how great it is to see the whole community
participate in something this important. And when I saw
how many gifts filled our Fellowship Hall on December
10 when most of them were brought in, I also saw even
more beautifully the hearts of you all who make up this
generous congregation.
Each Sunday, I rejoice anew that I get
to serve here. I continue to be awed at the music—Jennifer
Scoggin and our choir produce glorious sound. Brittany
Burrows is a spectacular youth leader—what a joy
to work alongside her. I’ve had a great visit with
Jamee Hinshaw and will tell you that our nursery is in
great hands. As for Linda Estrada and her service here—her
abilities to clean this challenging facility leave me
grateful each week. Terry Scoggin’s workload has
expanded enormously since I’ve come and he has picked
all this up with grace, competence and a great sense of
humor. And the work of the Children’s Day Out, directed
by Teresa Riggs with two other church members, Kate Albers
and Shannon Jochetz, assisted by Heather Tompkins, simply
astonishes me. Those little children have learned so much
in the last four months. If you want a blessing some day,
just offer to be a “chapel mom” on Tuesday
and see how many songs they can sing and sign in American
Sign Language. Incredible.
These folks are only a tiny portion of
the vastness of the ministry that takes place each week
from this church. I come outside on a Saturday and see
Bill Johnson changing light bulbs. I hear from Helen Reneau
and know that many of our shut-ins and those who are ill
have been visited. We finally were able to get the copy
machine in Terry’s office fixed, and immediately
Vicky Russell was up here stringing wire and fixing it
so we can print from it, saving a lot of money in print
cartridges.
And I’ve only scratched the surface
of the hundreds of hours given each week to help bring
forth the kingdom of God that we pray for each week together
as we pray the Lord’s Prayer together. What a spot
of light!
And as I rejoice, I am also aware that
there is so much to do. God has called us not only to
care for ourselves, but also to reach out and let all
know that God does indeed love them and they are invited
into the light of Christ. I know that 2007 is going to
be a pivotal year for us as we take several very big steps
into seeing our dream of a more workable facility come
true. May we continue to be faithful to the leading of
the Spirit of God as we both experience the blessing and
see just how enthusiastically we can give it away.
Now, onto a few matters of calendaring
and worship notes:
I’m going on vacation! On December
25, Christmas Day, my dear husband and I will head out
of town for some time of romance and refreshment as we
just enjoy each other, rest and play. The church office
will also be closed the week of December 25th and will
re-open on Tuesday, January 2. It is important for me
to know that pastoral care issues will be covered while
I’m gone. With the encouragement of the Pastor-Parish
Relations Committee, I called the Rev. Jarrell
Sharp to see if he could help. This generous
and kind man, who served as interim pastor here several
years ago and who loves this church, immediately agreed
to serve in any pastoral care needs that come up while
I’m gone. So, please phone him (940-384-7350)
and let him know about hospitalizations, special illnesses
or other matters needing clergy attention.
Christmas Eve worship is almost upon us,
and we have some extra special things this year. At 4:00
p.m., the youth will narrate the Christmas story as our
children act this out. This is going to be a very sweet
time for everyone—all children will be involved
in some way and it becomes such a good way for them to
know even more deeply the biblical words that form the
foundation of our faith.
At 7:00 p.m., we’ll have a traditional
service of lessons and carols, culminating in Holy Communion
and the lighting of the candles from the Christ Candle
as we sing “Silent Night” together. At 11:00
p.m., we’re going to experience the Christ Mass
service—the very beautiful worship experience that
enables us to see Christmas Day come in the fullness of
joy. Nursery care will be available at the 4 and 7 p.m.
services, but not at the 11:00 p.m. service. As always,
of course, children are welcome at all of our worship
services.
The 11:00 a.m. service that day will have
a special visitor. Mary, mother of Jesus, will be coming
that day to tell her experience of becoming the mother
of the Savior. Her story gives a whole different perspective
on the season.
On December 31, New Years Eve day, you
will get to enjoy the fun and very relaxed “Fifth
Sunday” worship sing-along. Come and pick your very
favorite hymns and Christmas carols, and sing to your
heart’s content.
On January 7, 2007, we will begin our 2007
worship with a special Wesleyan Covenant service. This
meaningful worship provides a great way to begin the new
year as we are reminded of who we are and what we are
called to do.
I keep all of you in my prayers. Please
let me know how I can best serve you.
